PMQT Written Answers – 22 February 1994

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 22nd February 1994.

PRIME MINISTER:

Russia

Sir Thomas Arnold : To ask the Prime Minister what is his policy towards Russia’s application to join the Group of Seven.

The Prime Minister : I believe that there is a strong case for building a closer political dialogue between Russia and the Group of Seven, by creating a political Group of Eight, although it would not be appropriate in current circumstances for Russia to join the economic G7. I shall be taking this up with my G7 colleagues.

Engagements

Mr. Harry Greenway : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 22 February.

Sir Peter Tapsell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 22 February.

The Prime Minister : This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

10 Downing Street

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister if he will give details of items on loan to 10 Downing Street which have been mislaid since 1979.

The Prime Minister : No.

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister if he will give details of all items of works of art, furniture, china, gold and silver artefacts currently on loan in 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister : No.

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister which paintings and other works of art on display in 10 Downing Street in October 1990 have subsequently been removed.

The Prime Minister : The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Overseas Visits (Media)

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister if he will give details of amounts outstanding from media organisations for costs arising from using official transport on overseas visits.

The Prime Minister : It is not my practice to give details of outstanding accounts.

Official Gifts

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister which official gifts were retained by his predecessor at the end of her period of office.

The Prime Minister : My right hon. and noble Friend Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven would have retained those gifts of small value that she wished to keep, and those gifts of higher value that she had chosen to purchase.

Overseas Visits

Mr. Tony Banks : To ask the Prime Minister which countries he has visited in an official capacity since November 1990.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 21 February 1994] : The information requested is as follows :